Written Answers Thursday 15 October 2009

Scottish Executive

Higher Education

Claire Baker (Mid Scotland and Fife) (Lab): To ask the Scottish Executive what steps it is taking to increase the number of university places available across Scotland.

Fiona Hyslop: Through the Student Awards Agency for Scotland, we are financially supporting at a cost of some £8.6 million, an estimated 10 percent increase in the number of students entering Scottish higher education this year. By accepting some 3,000 additional students, Scottish universities have used the flexibilities in our higher education system to respond positively to increased demand for places during the current economic downturn.